Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebration
A MASCOT managed to provoke fans, players and staff in a Brazilian top flight game yesterday.
The Tiger mascot of Criciuma had a huge part to play in the clash between Criciuma and Corinthians.
The match, which ended in a 4-2 win for Corinthians, descended into chaos when the mascot for the home team began winding up the opposition players.
The mascot was carried over to the Corinthians players on a stretcher while they were in the midst of a tense discussion with fans and stewards at half-time.
The talks with fans had reportedly come as a result of fighting in the stands between Corinthians fans, with their team trailing 2-0 at the break.
Video then showed the tiger popping up from the stretcher and walking away, seemingly antagonising the Corinthians players who began to chase after the mascot.
Players were even videoed pushing the mascot while another member of staff kicked out at the costumed tiger.
The mascot seemed unfazed by the angered reaction they had sparked, running towards the tunnel and replicating Cristiano Ronaldo‘s famous “siuu” celebration before leaving the pitch.
It’s claimed that the mascot was sent off for their behaviour, while Brazilian outlets are also reporting that a ball boy was shown a red card for his involvement in the confrontations.
After the situation was calmed down Corinthians put together a superb comeback in the second spell.
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The two goals scored by former Crystal Palace and Plymouth Argyle star Yannick Bolasie in the first half were cancelled out by a flood of four by Corinthians.
Rodrigo Garro, Matheus Bidu and Yuri Alberto came up with the goods for Corinthians as they won their seventh league clash on the bounce.
Corinthians, who have been a hotbed for Brazilian talent over the years, are now the home of former Man Utd man Memphis Depay.
Notable Corinthians of the past include Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo Nazario and Alexandre Pato.